Dicker to run against Fumo

It's official: State Sen. Vince Fumo won't get a pass next year.

Anti-casino community activist Anne Dicker has posted a Web site announcing plans to run against Fumo next April, promising a "break from the old idea of self service over public service."

Fumo is scheduled to stand trial in February on a 139-count federal corruption indictment.

"It's absolutely ridiculous Vince Fumo is still in office - he should resign," Dicker said in a telephone interview yesterday. "I'll let a jury decide his guilt or innocence, but his actions have brought a great deal of shame on this city."

Dicker said she put up her Web site a couple of days ago to let citizens know why she's running and to begin raising money and building support.

Sources said Fumo met with his top political advisers and friends at his home last night to talk about the tough political season ahead.

The sources said Fumo remains determined to fight for his seat while he battles the corruption charges in court. Spokesman Gary Tuma declined comment on the meeting, but said that Fumo isn't surprised by Dicker's Internet announcement.

"Vince had an opponent last time around," Tuma said. "He expected opposition this time. That's part of the democratic process.

"He's happy to run on his 29-year record of accomplishments as a senator, no matter who he's running against."

As examples, Tuma cited Fumo's role in getting free transit passes for students, recent arrests made by a gun task force he funded and his role in getting permanent funding for SEPTA in the state budget last month.

"He'll continue doing that work," Tuma said. "His next priority is getting the governor's alternative-energy plan enacted.

"When it's time to focus on the election, he'll do that," Tuma said.

Dicker said she's ready to contest the argument that Fumo has delivered for his district in South Philadelphia, Center City and some river wards.

"What about gun laws?" she asked. "We're in the middle of a crime epidemic. And he just put two casinos in the heart of the city."

Sources said Fumo's advisers are considering scenarios that could make his re-election tougher, or easier.

If Fumo's trial begins as scheduled on Feb. 25, voters would likely be bombarded with unflattering headlines about the senator for much of the campaign.

The trial would likely be delayed if judge William Yohn grants a government motion to disqualify the firm of Fumo's attorney, Richard Sprague.

Fumo could also be helped in the unlikely event that the state legislature were to approve Gov. Rendell's idea of moving the state's primary election to earlier in the year.

A February primary would give Dicker less to time to campaign and could wrap up the contest before Fumo's trial begins.

Fumo is expected to raise plenty of money for the run. Dicker said she knows she'll need more than the $17,000 she raised in her run for state legislature last year.

"We know we're running against a millionaire," Dicker said, "and I want to run a campaign to win." *